Language Policies

Let's be clear up front. I'm not talking about WHAT language should be used in the workplace. I'm addressing HOW we talk to each other. Do you have a civil, respectful workplace? Do you want one?  While Federal laws do not prohibit rude or disrespectful behavior at work, employees do have protection in the areas of discrimination and harassment.

With respect to proper language, rudeness, etc., perception is the key word. How does the receiver perceive the expletives used by a fellow worker? A woman who is subjected to vulgar profanity may perceive it as sexual harassment. How does a member of a faith community perceive the improper use of a Deity's name? Is it religious discrimination?

Every company, large and small, should require that employees maintain a respectful attitude and prohibit the use of profane language on its properties or while conducting company business. The content of a Language Policy should, among other things:

• prohibit the use of profane words, obscene expressions, gender-based insults, personal insults, racial as well as religious slurs or any type of verbiage (including written documents, email, voice mail, text messages, etc) that may be construed as offensive by others.

With no guidelines in place, an organization is at risk of being an offensive and creating a hostile work environment.